Head of Chartering

Pacific International Lines; Singapore; On-site; SGD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent shipping company in Singapore is looking for a seasoned chartering leader to execute the fleet chartering strategy while addressing decarbonisation goals. Requires minimum 15 years in container shipping with a strong focus on negotiation and leadership skills. Ideal candidates will have extensive experience in chartering agreements and a deep understanding of vessel specifications. Competitive salary and opportunities for growth are provided.

Qualifications

• Minimum 15 years of chartering experience in container shipping.
• Strong understanding of vessel technical specifications and environmental regulations.
• Demonstrated success in securing emissions-compliant tonnage.

Responsibilities

• Lead the container fleet chartering strategy aligned with decarbonisation objectives.
• Negotiate and finalize charter party agreements.
• Monitor charter market dynamics and assess total cost of chartering.

Skills

Negotiation

Leadership

Chartering experience

Market intelligence

Compliance knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Maritime Studies, Business Management, Marine Engineering

Tools

Digital chartering platforms

Job description

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute the container fleet chartering strategy in alignment with commercial trade plans and the company’s decarbonisation objectives.
• Build and manage a fleet portfolio that balances cost, capacity, compliance, and carbon performance—favouring modern,fuel-flexible, CII-compliant vessels.
• Negotiate and finalize charter party agreements (time and bareboat) and ensure operational and financial due diligence.
• Proven strong and cultivate relationships with shipowners, brokers, yards, container ship operators, non-operation owners and lessors to secure favourable tonnage terms and first-mover access to next-gen assets.
• Ensure compatibility of chartered vessels with evolving fuel infrastructure (e.g., LNG, methanol, ammonia) and trade requirements.
• Collaborate closely with internal stakeholders (fleet, operations, network, technical, ESG, and legal) to ensure vessel suitability, compliance, and deployment alignment.
• Monitor charter market dynamics, conduct benchmarking, and assess total cost of chartering, including emission performance and potential ETS/pass-through costs.
• Prepare owners report and owners chartering activities P&L.
• Provide leadership to a high-performing team and continuously develop market intelligence and chartering capabilities.
• Ability to come out with Chartering initiatives that supports commercial performance, Fleet efficiency, Compliance (ESG, IMO..)

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Maritime Studies, Business Management, Marine Engineering, or related.
• Minimum 15 years of chartering experience in container shipping, including at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Strong understanding of vessel technical specifications, classification requirements & environmental regulations.
• Extensive experience in negotiating charter parties, contract clauses and shipbuilding contracts as well as managing post fixtures.
• Demonstrated success in securing future-ready, emissions-compliant tonnage.
• Familiar and skilled in usage of digital chartering platforms.
• Strong network across shipowners, tonnage providers, and brokers.
• Excellent negotiation, leadership, and cross-functional coordination skills.
• Understanding of Container liner operations, ship design and operating characteristics is an advantage.